Protective Baby Swaddle

ABSTRACT

An inventive baby swaddle is disclosed for protecting a baby&#39;s skin from harmful bacteria, chemicals, toxins, while providing the baby&#39;s skin with vitamins and minerals and other wellness properties such as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, odor-reducing, combatting inflammation, infusing vitamins, infusing minerals and promoting healing, all while the swaddle remains breathable and comfortable. The improved baby swaddle includes two layers of body material that both contain seaweed fibers which provide the protection and benefits to the skin. The improved baby swaddle also includes head and neck support while still allowing the baby some movability.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention disclosed herein generally relates to the field of infant swaddling blankets, and more particularly to a swaddling blanket that also provides neck and head support for the infant. In one embodiment, the swaddle material comprises of a specialized material that provides a multitude of benefits for an infant's skin.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of blankets for wrapping and soothing babies, often referred to as swaddling. Swaddling is the practice of wrapping infants in blankets to restrict the movement of the infant's limbs. Oftentimes, swaddling has calming effects on babies. Many parents employ swaddling as a means to reduce crying and assist the baby in sleep.

Typically, conventional four-sided receiving blankets have been used to swaddle babies. While such conventional blankets are often useful tools for swaddling babies, use of conventional blankets becomes increasingly difficult to ensure tightness, the baby's head remains unsupported, and the baby's skin is subject to overheating, rashes, and discomfort from the tightness of the blanket.

Today swaddling is a standard newborn care practice in most hospitals and consists of swaddling blankets that are tucked around the baby and are useful for keeping the baby warm and comfortable. Newborn and infant children are commonly swaddled in blankets or slings. It is a useful method to help babies settle and sleep. Swaddling can have a calming, sleep-promoting effect on young babies and can promote more sustained sleep and reduce the frequency of spontaneous awakening.

Conventional swaddling techniques utilize a square blanket folded into triangular shapes to hold the baby within. The blanket is folded into a triangular shape and the baby is positioned near the center of the triangle long edge. The triangle point to the left or right of the baby is laid across the baby and tucked under the baby, and then the opposite triangle point is then wrapped over and tucked in to the prewrapped portion of the blanket. As a result, the baby's arms are locked into place. Oftentimes, the third point of the triangle located at the baby's feet is folded up prior to the wrap of the left or right triangle point.

Current infant swaddles are designed to make it easier to swaddle and infant in comparison to traditional square sheets or blankets by their unique shapes. Typically, swaddling blankets have flaps that fold around the infant's body or down and over the baby's shoulders and around and underneath the infant. Most swaddles are made from cotton or combination of muslin and cotton material. However, current designs fall short of protecting the baby's skin, which is completely engulfed in the swaddle, often for hours at a time.

Some infants sweat heavily during the deepest part of the sleep cycle and can wake up wet from the accumulation of sweat. Babies spend more time in the deepest part of the sleep cycle than do children or adults, and are therefore more susceptible to waking up wet. Heat coupled with accumulated moisture can cause a heat rash or irritated skin. Currently available swaddle garments do not adequately address baby'skin issues caused by overheating and excessive rubbing due to a tight swaddle. Therefore, a need for a swaddle design that reduces the risk of rashes and protects the baby'skin is needed.

Currently there is not a single swaddle designed to protect the fragile skin of babies. The skin on the back of the neck and head of the baby are most vulnerable; however, all baby skin is fragile and sensitive as it is new and lacks immunity. Exposure to things such as rough clothing or other chemicals on human skin such as cologne, perfume, or hand soap from anyone who interacts with the baby could harm the baby.

The present invention addresses skin protection needs, as well as providing additional head and neck support for an infant. Specifically, the present invention is a swaddle composed of a percentage of fabric made form specialized fibers. These fibers are, at least in part, made from seaweed and contain a multitude of properties that are beneficial to the skin such as moisturizing effects, anti-inflammatory properties, protection against free radical, revitalizing and rejuvenating properties, and antibacterial properties.

One known seaweed fiber component, SeaCell, is made up of algae materials, wherein the algae materials are incorporated in the cellulose fibers. The algae are evenly spread within the cellulose fibers in particle form. The algae particles may come from brown algae, namely preferably Ascophyllum nodosum, or red algae, namely preferably Lithothamnium calcareum. The fibers can be produced using the Lyocell method. Using such fibers has the advantage that agents such as vitamin E (tocopherols), carotenoids and minerals in their ionic form, such as sodium ions, calcium ions or magnesium ions, are released in the presence of water and/or perspiration. The agents are incorporated in the algae containing fibers for longer periods and do not immediately wash out even during laundering operations. SeaCell or other algae containing fibers consist of at least 90% w/w cellulose, 0.1-10% w/w algae and 0-10% other additives. When released, the agents contained in the algae have a positive effect on the infant's skin. Provided that both layers of the swaddle material contain algae material, this prevents a gradient of agents between the layers and thus supports the release of the agents onto the infant's skin.

There is a need for a baby swaddle designed to protect the baby's skin, specifically, to infuse the baby's skin with the healthy properties associated with SeaCell fibers. Ultimately protecting the skin from rash, illness, and bacteria while infusing the skin with vitamins, minerals, and also providing comfort and breathability for the baby.

There is also a need for a baby swaddle designed to support the baby'head and neck while allowing the baby's arms and legs room to move while staying in the swaddle. The disclosed swaddle has a deep pocket with a Velcro opening that allows the baby to stay secure and prevents unnecessary re-swaddling which is another problem in the prior art. This makes it easy for parents and caregivers to change and care for the baby, all while protecting the baby's skin simultaneously.

It is, therefore, desirable to have a baby swaddle, specifically a baby swaddle made with fibers specially designed for fully protecting baby's skin, and providing a multitude of benefits for baby's skin, such as providing vitamins and minerals, reducing odors, combatting inflammation, promoting healing, all while remaining breathable and comfortable.

The present invention departs from conventional concepts and designs of baby swaddles of the prior art and in so doing provides a simple, convenient swaddle that contains seaweed fibers that provide protection and wellbeing for a baby's skin, solving all of the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the need in the art for a product that can protect a baby's sensitive skin while providing head and neck support and all the other benefits of a traditional swaddle. The invention prevents the advantages of protecting a baby's skin from harmful bacteria, chemicals, toxins, while providing the baby's skin with vitamins and minerals and other wellness properties such as revitalizing, rejuvenating, reducing odors, combatting inflammation, and promoting healing, while remaining breathable and comfortable.

In one embodiment the inventive swaddle has a rounded triangular shape comprised of two outer layers of material; both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. In this embodiment, the swaddle has at least four panels: a back panel, which extends above the baby's neck adding head and neck support, a front panel, which when connected to the back panel forms the body pocket, and a left flap panel section and a right flap panel section. The back panel and front panel make up the body portion of the swaddle. The edges of the present invention are topstiched with ⅜ of an inch of soft binding creating a trim around the entire circumference of the swaddle.

In another embodiment, the swaddle has a rounded triangular shape with extending flaps. Again, the swaddle is comprised of two outer layers of material: both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. The swaddle has approximately four panels: a back, front, left and right panel. The body pocket extends onto flaps for a gradual curve to the top edge. The fold lines for the left and right flaps cross into the body pocket. The trim goes around each panel of the swaddle and is ⅜ of an inch of soft knit binding. The body material portions are at least 16 inches from top to bottom at the tallest point. The body material portions are at least 24.5 inches across from left to right at the widest point, this includes from the end of the right flap to the end of the left flap. The top portion of the swaddle is at least 7 inches wide and the bottom portion of the swaddle is at least 9 inches wide. The body pouch of the swaddle is at least 9 inches deep.

In yet another embodiment, the swaddle has an elongated cylindrical shape with extending flaps. It is comprised of two outer layers of material; both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. All outside edges are turned ⅝ of an inch and stitched. The trim goes around each panel of the swaddle and is ⅜ of an inch of soft knit binding. The body pocket does not go into the flaps, but is only in the center portion of the swaddle. The body pockets ends in a flap seam. The opening seam is turned ⅝ of an inch to the outside and stitched. The body pocket has volume at the top to fit a baby. In this embodiment, the flaps have hook and loop tape topstitched onto them to securely wrap the baby. This makes the swaddle adjustable. The hook and loop material is located on the near the outer edge of the right flap, in a rectangular shape, and the fastener portion of the material is located on the back panel of the left flap, in a square shape. The body material portions are at least 16 inches from top to bottom at the tallest point. The body material portions are at least 24.5 inches across from the left to right at the widest point, this includes from the end of the right flap to the end of the left flap. The top portion of the swaddle is at least 7 inches wide and the bottom portion of the swaddle is at least 9 inches wide. The body pouch section of the swaddle is at least 9 inches deep.

In yet another embodiment, the swaddle has a rounded triangular shape with extending flaps. It is comprised of two outer layers of material; both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. All outside edges are fold over elastic bound and topstiched. The trim goes around each panel of the swaddle and is ⅜ of an inch of soft knit binding. The body pocket is partially topstiched. The body pocket is a square shape with rounded corners that extends partially into each flap area. The body pocket has volume at the top to fit a baby. The left and right flaps have hook and loop tape topstitched to securely wrap the baby. This makes the swaddle adjustable. The hook and loop material is located on the very outer lip of the right flap, in the shape of a half circle, and the fastener portion of the material is located on the back panel of the left flap, in a long and narrow rectangular shape. The body material portions are at least 16 inches from top to bottom at the tallest point. The body material portions are at least 24.5 inches across from left to right at the widest point, this includes from the end of the right flap to the end of the left flap. The top portion of the swaddle is at least 7 inches wide and the bottom portion of the swaddle is at least 9 inches wide. The body pouch section of the swaddle is at least 9 inches deep.

The inventive baby swaddle can be manufactured in various lengths and sizes. The baby swaddle is designed to be constructed as at least two separate pieces and then sewn together. The baby swaddle is designed to be in at least four panel sections.

The present invention is designed to solve many problems. The problem of constant unnecessary re-swaddling is solved by a deeper body pouch and extending the height of the swaddle to go under the head and neck of the infant. This additional height also solves the problem of swaddles lacking head and neck support by providing such. And lastly and most importantly, this swaddle addresses the problems of babies developing skin irritation and rashes from traditional swaddles by being made out of a material that protects and nourishes the skin rather than irritate and harm the skin, especially after hours of wear and potential sweating. Ultimately, the present invention effectively protects the infant's skin while wearing the swaddle, while also providing head and neck support.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved baby swaddle which is of a durable and reliable construction.

It is further object of the present invention to provide an improved baby swaddle which may be easily manufactured and marketed.

These together with features of the invention are pointed out in the claims. For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and specifics, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective font view of the present invention in one preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective back view of the present invention in one preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the present invention in another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective back view of the present invention in another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the present invention in another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective back view of the present invention in another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the swaddle, specifically indicating its thickness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the improved baby swaddle according to one embodiment of the invention is in a rounded triangular shaped embodiment. The baby swaddle is comprised of four panel sections of material. It is comprised of two outer layers of material: both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. The swaddle includes a back panel section, a front panel section, a left flap panel section, and a right flap panel section. The back panel and front panel make up the body portion of the swaddle. The front panel section is stitched to a portion of the back panel section creating a pocket for holding a baby. The body pocket in this embodiment extends onto the left and right panel flap sections. The fold lines for the flap panel sections cross into the body pocket in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the improved baby swaddle according to another embodiment of the invention is in a rounded triangular shaped embodiment. The baby swaddle is comprised of four panel sections of material. The material comprises two outer layers of material: both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. The swaddle includes a back panel section, a front panel section, a left flap panel section, and a right flap panel section The back panel and front panel make up the body portion of the swaddle. The front panel section is stitched to a portion of the back panel section creating a pocket for holding a baby. The body pocket in this embodiment does not extends onto the left and right panel flap sections, but rather is only on the body portion of the swaddle. The body pocket ends in a flap seam in this case and the opening seam is turned into ⅝-inch to the outside and stitched. In this embodiment, the left and right flap panel sections have hook and loop tape topstitched onto them to securely wrap the baby. This makes the swaddle adjustable. The hook and loop material is located on the near the outer edge of the right flap, in a rectangular shape, and the fastener portion of the material is located on the back panel of the left flap, in a square shape.

As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the improved baby swaddle according another embodiment of the invention, is in a rounded triangular shaped embodiment. The baby swaddle is comprised of four panel sections of material having two outer layers of material: both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex. The inventive swaddle also contains an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. The swaddle includes a back panel section, a front panel section, a left flap section, and a right flap section, The back panel and front panel make up the body portion of the swaddle. The front panel section is stitched to a portion of the back panel section creating a pocket for holding a baby. The body pocket in this embodiment extends onto the left and right panel flap sections, but is a square shaped with rounded corners rather than a continuous curve shaped. The body pocket is topstitched partially in this embodiment. The left and right flaps have hook and loop tape topstitched to securely wrap the baby. This makes the swaddle adjustable. The hook and loop material is located on the very outer lip of the right flap, in the shape of a half circle, and the fastener portion of the material is located on the back panel of the left flap, in a long and narrow rectangular shape.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the swaddle. In this cross section the entire thickness of the swaddle is shown, which is about 1-4 cm. The thickness of each individual layer is also shown, which is about 1-2 cm.

In each embodiment, the swaddle comprises a ⅜-inch trim of soft knit binding around the entire circumference of each panel section of the swaddle except for the inner foldings of the left and right flap sections.

In each embodiment, the left flap panel section has hook and loop tape topstitched to the front outer edge for connecting with the hook and loop tape fastened to the right flap panel. The right flap panel has hook and loop tape topstitched to the back outer edge for receiving the hook and loop tape fastened to the left flap panel. However, the swaddle can be made without this hook and loop tape and instead fastened together in other means such as stitching, buttons, zippers, or any combination of these methods.

The back panel section has a rounded top edge as shown best in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first preferred embodiment, the back panel section material section is a rounded shape, that has two layers of material that lay evenly on top of each other. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the second preferred embodiment, the back panel section is more of a square shape with rounded edges, that has two layers of material that lay evenly on top of each other. In all embodiments, the back panel section and the front panel section come together to form the body section; however, the back panel section is always about 7 inches taller than the front panel section. This is so that the front panel section can form the body pouch by being sewn into the back panel section.

The body material portions are at least 16 inches from top to bottom at the tallest point. The body material portions are at least 24.5 inches across from left to right at the widest point, this includes from the end of the right flap to the end of the left flap. The top portion of the swaddle is at least 7 inches wide and the bottom portion of the swaddle is at least 9 inches wide. The body pouch section of the swaddle is at least 9 inches deep.

The present invention thus describes a device for efficient swaddling of an infant while providing protection for the infant's skin and extra support for the infant's head and neck.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other changes and modifications, such as those expressed here or others left unexpressed but apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the following claims. 

1. A swaddle comprising: a back-panel section having an inner layer of material and an outer layer of material stitched together; and wherein the back panel section is about 7 inches taller than the front panel section; a front panel section having an inner layer of material and an outer layer of material stitched together; and wherein the back panel section and front panel section together make up the body portion of the swaddle; and wherein the front panel section is stitched to a portion of the back panel section to create a pocket for holding a baby; a left flap panel section having an inner layer of material and an outer layer of material stitched together; a right flap panel section having an inner layer of material and an outer layer of material stitched together; wherein the swaddle is comprised of two or more layers of material; both outer layers comprising approximately 40% Nylon Tactel, 35% Modal Rayon, 11% SeaCell Lyocell, and 14% Spandex and an inner layer between the outer layers comprised of approximately 70% bamboo and 30% cotton.
 2. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein the swaddle comprises a ⅜-inch trim of soft knit binding around the entire circumference of each panel section of the swaddle except for the inner foldings of the left and right flap
 3. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein the SeaCell fiber woven material of each panel section has a total thickness of 0.1-4 cm; each of the two layers making up the total thickness is about 0.1-2 cm a piece.
 4. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein the left flap panel has hook and loop tape topstitched to the front outer edge for connecting with the hook and loop tape fastened to the right flap panel.
 5. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein the right flap panel has hook and loop tape topstitched to the back outer edge for receiving the hook and loop tape fastened to the left flap panel.
 6. The swaddle of claim 1, wherein the material of the front panel, back panel, left flap panel, and right flap panel has one or more of the following properties; breathable, anti-bacterial; anti-inflammatory; odor-reducing; mineral infusing; and vitamin infusing.
 7. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein an overall length is about 9 inches.
 8. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein a overall width is about 24.5 inches.
 9. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein the body pocket is about 9 inches deep.
 10. The swaddle of claim 1 wherein each flap is about 6 inches wide at the base portion connected to the main body of the swaddle. 